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1. What does the university health services offer?
The RU Health Services offers comprehensive ambulatory care and education services as well as referrals to specialists and minimal health insurance for all full-time students. Services at our five health centers include general primary care, women's health, limited psychiatric treatment, alcohol and other drug assistance programs, health education, immunizations, physicals, laboratory tests, as well as pharmacy services. A booklet fully describing these services is mailed every summer to your home, can be found in our brochures, on our website, and at parents orientation exhibit events. Visit us online at: http://health.rutgers.edu.
Our services are completely confidential and provided by licensed, certified and credentialed health professionals. We are accredited by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.
2. Do I/we have to pay extra for the student health center(s) or student health?
If your undergraduate son/daughter is full-time, the Student Health Services and Insurance Fee has been paid as part of their student fees. This includes full use of the health centers and BASIC health insurance. Part-time students may purchase this coverage.
3. If I/we already have health insurance that covers our son/daughter, do we still have to purchase the student health insurance?
The student health insurance is part of the benefits paid for through the student fee and can not be waived. Your insurance is used as the "primary" insurance, and the student health insurance becomes "secondary" in most circumstances. Getting quality health care on campus helps students stay in class as they learn how to take care of themselves. The BASIC health insurance plan includes referrals to local specialists and covers some routine lab test fees.
4. What does the health insurance policy cover?
Comprehensive ambulatory health care and education, including: physical exams, womens health, alcohol/drug/mental health/nutritional counseling, treatment of illnesses, allergy treatment, pharmacy services, immunizations, health education, and much more. Note that it does NOT cover prescription medications (although our pharmacy may accept your prescription plan). Students are covered for a maximum of $5000 for each accident or illness and certain outpatient services (with some limitations). A student may purchase additional insurance to increase the coverage to $50,000 or $100,000 in covered medical expenses. Check the brochure mailed to each home for further details, or visithttp://health.rutgers.edu/insurance/default.asp for more information
5. If I/we belong to an HMO, will my/our insurance cover my sons/daughters costs if you refer him/her to an outside specialist?
Not that were aware of, but check with your insurer to be sure.
Should he/she use our HMO before following your referral?
It is an individual decision, but not required by RUHS.
6. What immunizations does Rutgers University require?
For a list of required immunizations, visit us at
http://health.rutgers.edu/immunizations/faq.htm
7. Do your records show that my child has completed all necessary immunizations?
With so many students at the university, we are unable to directly answer this question for each student. If you have sent in the records for the required immunity, then your child should be fine. If there are any difficulties, Rutgers University will send a letter to your son/daughter.
8. Where would my child go in the event of acute illness or infection since there is no longer an inpatient unit?
Most health care required by students can be managed by RUHS on an outpatient basis, and we take care of many students with acute illnesses and infections. If hospitalization is required, or the health centers are closed, we would refer to a local hospital.
9. Can my child use any of the five health centers?
Yes, we have three health centers on the New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses - Willets Health Center on Cook/Douglass, Hurtado Health Center on College Avenue, and Busch-Livingston Health Center in Piscataway (as well as health centers in Camden and Newark). However, we recommend building a relationship and medical record with the same health center for continuity of care.
10. If my son/daughter has a medical emergency, will I be informed?
In the case of a medical emergency, we attempt to contact next of kin indicated on the students medical record. Note that if your child is alert, confidentiality laws preclude us from calling you without their consent.
11. My son/daughter has allergies. Can he/she get their shots on campus?
Yes. Call the health center of your choice to make an appointment for this service. Your son/daughter must provide the serum; we can store it in the health center refrigerators. There is a $10 fee for administering the shot each time. Note that outside office visits and testing for allergies is excluded from the student insurance policy.
12. My son/daughter has asthma. Can he/she get inhalers on campus?
Yes. The RUHS provides pharmacy services, including prescription and over-the-counter items. Have your son/daughter bring an original prescription with him/her, or have your family physician call it in to the Hurtado Health Center pharmacy (732-932-7402 x 219). Also consider giving us a copy of your prescription plan card to keep on file at the pharmacy.
14. How would I know if my daughter/son had an alcohol or other drug problem?
The following signs may indicate a problem:
Sudden problem with curfews or other rules
A new "who cares" attitude where they were previously more involved in school/family life
Neglecting old friends for unmet new ones
A decline in school involvement or extracurricular activities
A new secretiveness, different from an expected need for adolescent privacy
Unresolved questions about money, unexplained loss of savings or other money
Your liquor supply dwindling
An extraordinary personality change, unusual outbursts, sudden mood swings, other unusual behavior
Noticeable intoxication - red eyes, giddiness, alcohol/marijuana smell, nausea, dizziness, slurring or nonsensical speech
If you noticed any of these signs, it may (but not always) indicate a problem. You or your son/daughter may call our Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program for Students at
(973) 353-1236 in Newark, (732) 932-7402 x 232 in New Brunswick, or (856) 225-6005 in Camden for guidance, treatment or referral.
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